Adm. Mark Fitzgerald U.S. Navy (Retired)

Nearly 1,000 people attended the Military Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the JAX Chamber today at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. An annual Chamber tradition, the luncheon brings the region’s business community together to recognize the brave men and women from all branches of the local military community, including active duty, reservists, veterans and their families.

 “We are privileged to have this annual event to celebrate the members of our local military branches,” said JAX Chamber Military Issues Chair Mark Boensel. “The service and commitment by these brave men and women is one of the true hallmarks of our freedom. We are honored to have so many members living in our community.”

The event’s keynote speaker was retired U.S. Navy Adm. Mark Fitzgerald. Adm. Fitzgerald currently consults with numerous defense and commercial maritime and aviation contractors. He is Chairman of the Board of the Association of Naval Aviators and Vice Chairman of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.

Other guests included Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown, Rep. Ander Crenshaw, Major Thomas McWilliams, area commander of the Salvation Army’s Northeast Florida Area Command, and Terry West, president and CEO of VyStar Credit Union, the event’s presenting sponsor. The Florida Air National Guard Color Guard and the Navy Band Southeast performed during the luncheon.

The Chamber hosts the annual event not only to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by military personnel but also to honor the military’s presence in the community and its impact on the local, regional and national economy. The military is the region’s largest employer, and its activity attracts businesses to the region.

“The military community is very important to our local economy,” said Daniel Davis, president of the JAX Chamber. “In addition to their duties to support our nation’s defense, the brave men and women of the Armed Forces are our neighbors, friends and family. Their presence is a significant asset to our region’s economic development efforts.”